Winter Wonderland Festival

Every year, the Center brings the North Pole to the heart of Escondido. Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, create winter-themed arts and crafts, and even rendezvous with live reindeer!

The highlight for kids is, of course, Santa Claus himself, but there will also be a number of holiday-themed entertainers - from carolers to stilt walkers, to hula dancers - for all ages to enjoy. Food and drink will be available to warm your hands and hearts, and a number of local businesses will be displaying their wares for your holiday shopping needs.

At dusk, our Lyric Court will come alive with twinkling lights, and no one will be able to resist the holiday spirit! There are always a few extra surprises in store, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate the holidays at the Center!

Featured Events:

Pictures with Santa: Come get a picture of the whole family with the “Big Guy” himself – Santa! All evening in the Cal Club Courtyard our classic, Olde World Santa will be delighting children of all ages with photos and the chance to get in any last minute gift requests with the man himself before it’s too late!

Santa’s Reindeer: Returning this year is an opportunity to meet the fearless flyers themselves! A few of Santa’s reindeer will be taking a break to meet all their fans and “pose” for pictures before they take off for the big day.

Performances: As always the stage in the Lyric Court will be bustling with performances from local community groups, choirs, and even some hula dancers as they tell the story of holidays from around the world.

Snow Play: This extremely popular area is back once again. All night long you and your family will be able to play in real snow. Dress warm, and get your snowman making skills ready, it’s gonna get messy!

Activities for Kids: Join our California Center for the Arts, Escondido Education team all evening for fun and free arts workshops including origami ornaments, hand-drawn holiday cards, and of course holiday face painting!

Princess Meet and Greets: A Winter Wonderland favorite returns featuring princesses from some of the most beloved fairy tales of all time! Don’t miss your chance to light up your children’s night even more with this fun and unique photo opportunity.

Train Rides: New this year, climb aboard the Polar Express for a ride around the Center! Enjoy free rides all night long on our new trackless train, especially decorated to get you in the holiday mood!

Holiday Light Show: This year the Center will be syncing up your favorite songs of the season as they dance with lights strung throughout the Lyric Courtyard starting at dusk. There are always a few extra surprises in store, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate the holidays at the Center!

Downtown & Urban

Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert

Baja California

More to explore

Events|

Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2019

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 17 minutes.

Come down to the bay and enjoy the biggest fireworks show in San Diego!

Discover

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

May 27, 2019

The Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day celebration is one of San Diego's largest and most celebrated memorials dedicated to our fighting men and women. On this day we honor all of our fallen soldiers and remember them for their ultimate sacrifice to our country.

Discover

2019 SAN DIEGO ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON SERIES

Jun 1 - Jun 2, 2019

It all began in San Diego in 1998 and for over 20 years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has made running fun by infusing each course with live bands, cheer teams and more. In 2018, we brought our best to the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 with more music, runner support, and community engagement every step of the way. This event has always been our Epic Summer Run, and we’re already planning on ways to make 2019 even better! This year our event will feature a Full (26.2 miles) and 1/2 (13.1 miles) Marathon, a fun 5k Race and a 1/2 Marathon Relay Race.

Discover

25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Jun 15, 2019

Join us for the 25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp presented by Karl Strauss, San Diego's original culinary tour! On Saturday, June 15, 2019, the Gaslamp Quarter will be showcasing the excellent dining options available in our vibrant district. General Admission tickets are $35 pre-sale ($45 day-of) and allow you to sample 25+ different restaurants from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a self-guided walking tour with a beer garden featuring different brews from the Karl Strauss brewery. But the fun doesn't have to stop then. For only $65 ($75 day-of), you can upgrade to a VIP Ticket and experience 10 additional fine dining restaurants serving larger bite portions with a cocktail at each location, a Gaslamp Goodie Bag and an exclusive VIP After Party!

Discover

Events

Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2019

Discover

Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day

May 27, 2019

Discover

2019 SAN DIEGO ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON SERIES

Jun 1 - Jun 2, 2019

Discover

25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Jun 15, 2019

Discover

Sharing is caring

Like what you see? Share with your friends, family, and the world!

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Visitor planning guide

For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.